In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a foundational distinction that is essential for understanding the Bible and living the Christian life rightly: the difference between the law and the gospel. When the law and the gospel are confused, Scripture becomes distorted, assurance is weakened, and obedience becomes a burden. But when they are rightly distinguished, Scripture becomes clear, Christ is exalted, and believers are freed to live in joyful obedience. Drawing from Romans 3:19–24, Galatians 3:23–26, and John 1:16–17, this episode explains how the law reveals God's holiness and exposes our sin, while the gospel proclaims the finished work of Jesus Christ for sinners. In this episode, you will learn: • What the law reveals about God and our need • What the gospel proclaims about Christ's finished work • Why confusing law and gospel leads to legalism or despair • How law and gospel work together in the Christian life The law shows us our sin. The gospel shows us our Savior. Rightly distinguishing the two protects assurance, clarifies Scripture, and fuels joyful obedience rooted in grace. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians read the Old Testament? For many believers, the Old Testament can feel distant, unfamiliar, or difficult to understand. Some treat it as background material, while others focus almost entirely on the New Testament. But Scripture teaches that the Old Testament is essential for understanding Christ and the gospel. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how to read the Old Testament faithfully as Christian Scripture—seeing how it reveals God's character, exposes our need for redemption, and points forward to Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 24:44–47, Romans 15:4, and Hebrews 10:1, this episode helps believers read all of Scripture with clarity, confidence, and a Christ-centered focus. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why the Old Testament is Christian Scripture • How the Old Testament points to Christ • The difference between covenant fulfillment and ongoing instruction • How the Bible tells one unified redemptive story The Old Testament is not outdated or optional. It is God's Word given for our instruction and our hope. 🔗 For more from Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How does the entire Bible point to Jesus Christ? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a foundational question for understanding Scripture: how all the books, genres, and authors of the Bible ultimately center on Christ. Many read parts of the Bible, especially the Old Testament, as disconnected stories, moral lessons, or historical background. But Jesus Himself teaches that all Scripture is unified around Him and His redemptive work. Drawing from Luke 24:44–47, Hebrews 1:1–3, and Revelation 5:1–10, this episode shows how: • Christ is revealed through promise and fulfillment • Our need for a Savior is clearly exposed • Types and shadows prepare the way for Christ • All Scripture finds its ultimate meaning and fulfillment in Him The Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories. It is one unified story with one central figure: Jesus Christ. This episode will help you read the Bible with greater clarity, keep the gospel at the center, and guard against moralism, confusion, and self-reliance. Subscribe to Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How should Christians read the Bible in a way that honors Christ as the center of God's revelation? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why every part of Scripture ultimately points to Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 24, John 5, and Colossians 1, this episode shows how Christ-centered reading guards believers from moralism, legalism, and self-centered interpretation. Christ did not treat Scripture as a collection of disconnected teachings, but as a unified revelation of God's redemptive plan fulfilled in Him. When Christians read the Bible with Christ at the center, obedience flows from gratitude, faith, and love. This episode will help you read the Bible more faithfully, see Christ more clearly, and grow in confidence in the sufficiency of God's Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Psalm 19 reminds us that God has not spoken in riddles or left His people guessing. His Word is clear, trustworthy, and life-giving. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins reflects on Psalm 19:7–11 and explains why Scripture can be understood with confidence. In a world filled with competing voices and interpretations, believers can rest in the certainty that God has spoken clearly through His Word. Psalm 19 describes Scripture as perfect, sure, right, pure, and true. God's Word revives the soul, gives wisdom to the simple, rejoices the heart, and enlightens the eyes. Even when some passages require careful study, the overall message of Scripture remains clear and dependable because it comes from the God who speaks truthfully and faithfully. This episode encourages believers to return to the Bible with confidence, trusting that God's Word will guide their thinking, strengthen their faith, and steady their steps. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Does the Bible mean different things to different people? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why Scripture has a fixed, intended meaning given by God. Drawing from Numbers 23:19, Matthew 5:17–18, and 2 Peter 1:20–21, this episode highlights the authority, clarity, and reliability of God's Word. Rather than reshaping Scripture to fit culture or personal preference, Christians are called to interpret the Bible faithfully—seeking to understand what God has actually said and applying it with humility and obedience. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Many Christians want to understand the Bible faithfully, yet common mistakes in reading Scripture can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and spiritual drift. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins examines several common errors believers make when reading the Bible and explains how Christians can approach Scripture with greater care, humility, and faithfulness. Drawing from Hosea 4:6, Matthew 22:29, and 2 Timothy 3:16–17, this episode shows how ignorance of God's Word leads to error, while careful engagement with Scripture produces growth, discernment, and spiritual maturity. This episode covers: • Reading Scripture out of context • Treating the Bible as primarily about us • Selective or inconsistent Bible reading • Careless interpretation through familiarity • Practical steps for reading the Bible faithfully God has given His Word to guide His people in truth. As we read Scripture carefully and humbly, we grow in wisdom, discernment, and love for the Word of God. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

How can Christians know if they are understanding a verse of Scripture correctly? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how believers can read the Bible with confidence by interpreting Scripture faithfully, carefully, and humbly. Drawing from Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16, and James 1:22, this episode highlights key principles for faithful Bible interpretation, including reading in context, comparing Scripture with Scripture, careful observation of the text, and allowing God's Word to shape our lives. Christians are not left in confusion when reading the Bible. God has given His Word so His people may know the truth and walk in faithful obedience. In this episode, Dave discusses: • Why context is essential for understanding Scripture • How Scripture interprets Scripture • The importance of observing what the text actually says • Why faithful interpretation leads to humility and obedience • How believers can grow in confidence as they study God's Word Biblical confidence does not grow from trusting ourselves, but from trusting the sufficiency and clarity of God's Word. As believers examine the Scriptures carefully, like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, they grow in discernment and confidence in the truth God has revealed. Listen to more episodes of Contending for the Word Q&A: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

Christians who read the Bible faithfully will eventually encounter passages that are difficult to understand. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how believers should respond when they come across passages in Scripture that are not immediately clear. While God's Word is sufficient, trustworthy, and clear in its message of salvation and godliness, the Bible itself acknowledges that some passages are hard to understand (2 Peter 3:16). Rather than leading to discouragement or doubt, these moments should lead us to humility, patience, and deeper study of God's Word. In this episode, Dave highlights several biblical principles that help believers approach difficult passages faithfully: Slow down and study the context Let Scripture interpret Scripture Seek help from faithful teachers Trust that God guides His people into understanding When confusion arises, Christians are not called to abandon confidence in God's Word, but to pursue understanding with humility and trust in the Lord who speaks through Scripture. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the foundational principle of biblical interpretation: Scripture interprets Scripture. Because God is the ultimate author of the Bible, Scripture is unified, consistent, and trustworthy. This means clear passages help explain difficult ones, and no verse should be interpreted in isolation from the whole counsel of God. In this episode, Dave helps listeners understand how to read the Bible faithfully, avoid common interpretive errors, and grow in clarity and confidence in God's Word. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/